Few dishes capture the taste of the Mediterranean like Risotto ai Frutti di Mare—a rich, creamy risotto infused with the briny essence of the sea. This Italian seafood risotto is a beautiful blend of tender Arborio rice, white wine, garlic, and a medley of fresh seafood like shrimp, mussels, squid, or clams. It’s luxurious yet approachable, perfect for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or when you want to impress guests with something truly Italian.
While it requires a little patience and attention at the stove, the result is a stunningly flavorful, silky-smooth risotto that’s worth every stir.
Ingredients
For the Risotto:
- 1½ cups Arborio rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 cups seafood or fish stock (kept warm)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Seafood (use any combo of the following):
- ½ lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb (225g) squid rings
- ½ lb (225g) mussels or clams (scrubbed and cleaned)
- Optional: scallops or firm white fish chunks
Instructions
- Cook the Seafood:
- In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add shrimp and squid; sauté for 2–3 minutes until just cooked.
- Steam mussels/clams in a bit of water or white wine until they open (discard any that don’t). Set seafood aside and keep warm.
- Start the Risotto:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic.
- Add Arborio rice and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in white wine and stir until absorbed.
- Begin adding warm seafood stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing liquid to absorb before adding more.
- Finish the Dish:
- Continue stirring and adding stock until rice is creamy and al dente (about 18–20 minutes).
- Gently fold in the cooked seafood. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1 minute before serving.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Risotto ai Frutti di Mare is a celebration of Italian coastal cuisine—creamy, aromatic, and full of the sea’s freshest flavors. Serve it hot, with a glass of crisp white wine, and savor the taste of Italy with every bite.
